Featured Artist Patrice A. Federspiel

A visit to Hawaii turned into a move and the fulfillment of a dream for artist Patrice A. Federspiel. Her lush, vibrantly hued watercolors capture the flora and fauna of Hawaii and the bright sunlight of tropical paradise. Enjoy more of her work by visiting her website.

“Misty Morning Plumeria” Watercolor, 15” x 11”

Creating art is a dream come true. Creating art in Hawaii is total inspiration! Mystery and magic are key words for my art and for me. Living in the realm of possibility as I do, means not knowing what comes next—in life or in my paintings.

“A Taste of Sunshine” Watercolor, 11” x 15”

Imagine living in Wisconsin, creating catalogs for library supplies, and getting up at 4:30 a.m. three days a week to paint or sculpt before going to work. That was my life seventeen years ago.

“Mango Mania” Watercolor, 11” x 30”

Everyone knows that being an artist isn’t the easiest job in the world. But not everyone knows that not being an artist when you are an artist is harder. I loved my job and the people I worked with—and my life felt flat. I felt unfulfilled. I went on retreats and vision quests. I read lots of books on conscious awareness. I knew I wasn’t living my purpose or following my dream.

“Dreams of Dancing” Watercolor, 11” x 30”

Something inside me was dying and I didn’t know what to do. Every morning while painting or sculpting, I’d wonder, “How can I do this full time— and pay my bills?”

“Tree Diva” Watercolor and Gouache, 12” x 30”

In January 2000 a miracle happened. I took a week’s vacation to Hawaii to visit a friend. While there, she asked me to house sit for her while she worked on a project in Washington, DC for five months. I felt my body tingling with energy as I walked up the beach thinking of the possibility, “I could quit my job, I could sell my house, and I could paint!” I said, “Yes!”

“Heart of My Palms” Watercolor and Gouache, 15” x 22”

Once the decision to move to Hawaii was made, doors of opportunity opened. They keep opening for me, moving me further into the realm of evolution and possibility. I’d never lived outside Wisconsin before, had no idea what I was getting into, or what it would take to create my life as a professional artist.

“Eyes of Awareness” Watercolor and Gouache, 22” x 30”

Once here, I realized a need to change my medium from oils to watercolors. I took classes in watercolor and in running a business in Hawaii. I joined arts organizations including the Hawai’i Watercolor Society. I worked part-time at a copy shop to organize my time. I discovered Artist Career Training and have had a coach ever since.

“Whirlwind” Watercolor and Gouache, 22” x 30”

Shifting from full-time employment to self-employment is tricky. Living five time zones and 4,000 miles away from family and friends helped hone my focus.

“Open at the Top” Watercolor and Gouache, 15” x 22”

Students who work with me experience watercolor as a metaphysical path to expand their consciousness. My signature “Hide-N-Seek” watercolor process helps people reconnect to the joy of discovery they felt as kids. Ideas are multi-dimensional. Translating them into paintings means shifting the ways in which we see and feel the world.

Artist Patrice A. Federspiel with “Life” Watercolor, 22” x 30”

The most popular and cherished class I offer is my signature “Hide-N-Seek Watercolor Adventure.” This is an opportunity to reconnect to the magic, mystery, and creativity already within you, either on a cruise at sea, or on land.

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Thank you, Denise and Mckenna!
Having others respond positively to my paintings is like icing on an already delicious piece of cake. I reap the benefits of both the painting process and the joy it brings to others.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Patrice
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